Researcher 1

About the Job

Researches the microbial ecology of airway infection and the nutritional dynamics that sustain pathogen colonization. Designs and executes experiment and analyzes data. Manages and collects clinical samples. Assists in running operations in the lab including coordinating lab meetings, stocking supplies, ensuring lab safety, and training employees.

Qualifications

Required: A bachelor’s degree (preferably in Microbiology) or college level coursework in the biological sciences and laboratory experience to total four years. Previous lab experience required, and must be experienced with a range of molecular biology methods (cloning, genetic screens, transposon mutagenesis and quantitative PCR), bacterial culturing, and microscopy. Experience with animal models and/or cell culture is essential, and familiarity with general laboratory duties (media preparation, ordering, lab safety and orientation, chemical inventories) is an asset.

Duties/Responsibilities

Research (60%)

• Conduct investigations or experiments in an assigned area to aid in finding the solution to a research problem.
• Write routine summary reports on results of work and confers with supervisors on interpretation of results and avenues of investigation.
• Test laboratory techniques, modify or develop new protocols, maintain and adapt laboratory equipment.
• Execute experiments using methods created according to previously published methods or novel methods developed as needed.
• Confer with other lab personnel in drafting work schedules and plans for execution of the more complex laboratory studies.
• Independently create and plan experiments based on knowledge of the field, gained by researching the relevant literature, and collaboration with other labs.
• Analyze data collected from experiments. Synthesize data in easily readable format and prepare graphs, charts, tables and reports of data.
• Review literature relating to research projects authors or assists in writing technical report for publication, deliverable/summary reports, and research proposals.

Clinical Responsibilities (20%)

• Manage clinical sample collection, including record keeping, processing, collection and sample shipment.
• Aid in patient recruitment and consenting.

Administrative (20%)

• Take regular inventory and maintain laboratory equipment. Keep detailed ordering budgetary records which apply to specific grants.
• Investigate and evaluate vendors and products.
• Assists in running operations in the lab. Ensuring lab safety and training employees. Orienting new lab members to the lab and integrating them into lab systems (slack, quartzy, etc.).